A Personal Perspective: Lessons from the Trenches of Family Travel
Over the years, my friends and I have collected our fair share of stories from these grand family adventures—some hilarious, some challenging, but all of them valuable. One friend, Martha, planned an ambitious two-week trip to Italy with her children and teenage grandchildren. She had an itinerary planned down to the minute. On day three, a rail strike threw their entire schedule into chaos. Initially, she was devastated. But they ended up spending an unplanned day exploring a small town, where they stumbled upon a local festival and had the most authentic and memorable experience of their entire trip. Her lesson? Flexibility is not a weakness; it’s a superpower. The best moments often happen when plans go awry.
Another friend, David, shared his experience on a beach trip where he felt he was constantly being pulled in different directions. He wanted to read his book, but the grandkids wanted him to build sandcastles, and his son wanted to go kayaking. He felt guilty saying no to anyone and ended the first few days feeling completely drained. Finally, his wife encouraged him to speak up. He announced that from 2 to 4 p.m. every day was his “recharge time” on the porch. The family completely understood. His lesson was a crucial one for many of us in the senior generation: It is not selfish to state your own needs. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and taking time for yourself allows you to be more present and joyful when you are with the group.
The common thread in all these stories is that the challenges are temporary, but the memories are permanent. The goal isn’t a “perfect” vacation without a single hiccup. The goal is connection. It’s the moment you see your grandchild’s face light up at the sight of the ocean for the first time. It’s the quiet conversation you have with your daughter on a morning walk. It’s the sound of the whole family laughing together around a dinner table. These are the moments that make every bit of planning and coordination worthwhile.
